Classy Federer ends Marcus Willis fairytale
LONDON: World number one Novak Djokovic racked up his 30th successive Grand Slam victory on Wednesday as rain-lashed Wimbledon braced itself for the latest chapter in Marcus Willis’ rags-toriches blockbuster. Defending champion Djokovic brushed aside Adrian Mannarino, who was celebrating his 28th birthday, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the third round. The top seed, bidding for a third consecutive title at the All England Club and fourth in all, will face either American 28th seed Sam Querrey or Thomaz Bellucci for a place in the last 16. Djokovic’s match was played under the roof of Centre Court as heavy rain brought chaos to the schedule. Only 15 minutes of play was possible on the outside courts up to the late afternoon causing 22 singles matches to be cancelled and men’s doubles ties to be reduced to bestof-three setters. “Fortunately I was scheduled on Centre Court, that helps on days like this and when the roof is closed the atmosphere gets even more special,” said 12-time major winner Djokovic. “I do have a lot of expectations for myself but I am grateful that I am able to play at a high level so consistently. To have 30 Grand Slam wins in a row is a stat I am proud of.” Djokovic was followed onto Centre Court by a beaming Marcus Willis, the world number 772 who was facing 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer as two tennis worlds collided. Meanwhile, Seven-time champion Roger Federer ended the fairytale Wimbledon run of British qualifier Marcus Willis with an emphatic 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 victory on a packed Centre Court on Wednesday. For once though, the storyline belonged to his opponent as the 772ndranked underdog Willis, the talk of the tournament so far, basked in the limelight on a day he will never forget. Federer played the role of pantomime villain in a 25- minute first set as he denied Willis a game. But thereafter the 25-year-old Briton, cheered on by his friends at courtside, played a full part in some entertaining action under the showcourt’s closed roof. When Willis, who got SPORTS UPDATE ‘Team more important than individuals’ through six qualifying rounds and then beat Ricardas Berankis in round one, finally got on the scoreboard in the second game of the second set the roar could be heard all over the grounds. He kept Federer on his toes with some audacious drop shots and slices and fought right to the end. Federer looked a little relieved when he broke for a 5-4 lead in the third set and congratulated Willis warmly after his opponent sliced a final backhand long in the following game. For once though, the storyline belonged to his opponent as the 772ndranked underdog Willis, the talk of the tournament so far, basked in the limelight on a day he will never forget. Federer played the role of pantomime villain in a 25- minute first set as he denied Willis a game. Willis, who makes his living coaching children and senior citizens at a rowing club in the English midlands, has provided the feelgood factor of the week. Federer has career earnings just shy of $100 million; Willis has banked just $200 this year and still lives with his parents. (Agencies)